Tech

New documentary showcasing stories of African women leaders released

Published

5 months ago

July 23, 2024

A new documentary aimed at showcasing the stories of women entrepreneurs, industry leaders and investors working to solve real problems in African markets has been released by Women Who Build Africa (WWBA).

The documentary video which is in conjunction with skincare brand Uncover, and also has Madica as partners, showcases stories and perspectives of women entrepreneurs and investors building in African markets.

Thea Sokolowski, co-founder of and head of marketing at Stitch, who announced the release of the documentary, said it one of the first to offer a wide-ranging view of women business leaders on the continent.

The video has been released ahead of the upcoming Women Who Build Africa Assembly which will take place in September in Nairobi.

“There’s nothing more powerful than hearing the stories of women that are walking the talk and actively working to build – and support – businesses solving real problems in African markets,” she said.

“I’m excited to share just a few of these stories, and showcase the women behind them, both for the rest of the world to hear and for any women considering taking the leap to walk in their footsteps. We hope to tell even more stories like these in the future.”

Also speaking on the release, Sneha Mehta, co-founder and CEO at Uncover, said:

“We are so excited to partner with WWBA on this powerful film showcasing such incredible women builders on the continent

“At Uncover, our aim is to empower women to ‘uncover’ whoever they want to be, confidently. That is so much more than products. It is a movement to inspire women to show up unapologetically.

“By showcasing more authentic stories, our hope is to show courage, confidence, vulnerability, journeys and the power that really is revolutionary.”

The video features perspectives from women leaders across organisations, from Melanin Kapital, to Partech Africa, BuuPass, Delta40, Mosmos, Kola Market, Uncover, Greenspoon, Gobeba, EarthEnable, Earthbond, Founders Factory Africa, Madica, VunaPay, Bloom Money and many more.

The full video which was produced by Strange Creature in South Africa, is available on YouTube and will be screened ahead of the WWBA Assembly.

Related Topics:Documentary Featured Tech Video Women Who Build Africa

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Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

8 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation

Tech

Moroccan retail-tech startup Z raises $1.5m to drive intense growth

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Morocco-based B2B retail-tech marketplace, ZSystems, has announced closing a $1.5 million seed funding round which will see it carry out its ambitious expansion dreams.

In a statement by co-founder and CEO, Meriem Benabad, the funding round was led by Morocco-based Venture Capital firms, MNF Ventures (through its MNF II fund), Witamax (through Fund II and III), Cash Plus Ventures, and Kalys Ventures.

“This funding marks a pivotal moment for Z, as we aim to scale operations and bring cutting-edge solutions to traditional retail.

“Our vision is to empower small businesses and unlock growth across Morocco and Africa,” Benabad said.

According to Benabad, the newly acquired capital will support Z’s technology development, product catalogue expansion, and preparation for its next growth phase.

“Z is reshaping the retail landscape by integrating technology and innovation across the value chain. Its scalable platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market,” he added.

Founded in 2022 by the trio of Benabad, Samer Choumar and Youssef Ait-Haddouch, Z’s platform empowers traditional retailers and brands with direct access to consumers, reviving competitiveness in traditional trade (hanouts), which accounts for 85% of the FMCG market.

Since launch, the startup has helped over 15,000 active retailers, and seen more than 800,000 orders placed.